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To make this tasty Sweet Fire Chicken, gather these main items: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup cornstarch - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Vegetable oil for frying - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned) - 2 green onions, sliced for garnish Now, let's focus on the sweet fire sauce. You need: - 1/3 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust for spice preference) - 1 tablespoon garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening) You can boost the flavor or nutrition with these optional add-ins: - Snow peas for a crunch - Carrots, sliced thinly - Broccoli florets for extra color - Cashews for a nutty twist These ingredients help create a dish that bursts with flavor and texture. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on making this delicious meal! Start by gathering your ingredients. You need 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Next, mix 1 cup of cornstarch, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper in a large bowl. This mix forms your dry batter. Dip each piece of chicken into 2 beaten eggs first. Then, dredge each piece in the dry mix until fully coated. For the sweet fire sauce, grab a saucepan. Add 1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons sriracha. You can adjust the sriracha to fit your spice level. Also, add 1 tablespoon minced garlic and 1 tablespoon grated ginger. Stir these ingredients together over medium heat until they simmer. Once the mixture is bubbling, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Pour this into the sauce to thicken it. Stir for 2-3 minutes until it reaches the right consistency. In a deep skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for about 4-5 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Place the fried chicken on paper towels to drain excess oil. In the same skillet, add diced red and green bell peppers along with 1 cup of pineapple chunks. Cook these for 2-3 minutes until they soften. Add the crispy chicken back into the skillet and pour the sweet fire sauce over everything. Toss the chicken and veggies to coat them well. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors mix. Finally, garnish the dish with sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy your homemade sweet fire chicken delight! For complete instructions, check the Full Recipe. To get the chicken nice and crispy, use a dry batter. Mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. This blend helps form a crunchy coat. Make sure to dip the chicken in beaten eggs first. This step makes the batter stick better. Fry in hot oil, about 350°F, for 4-5 minutes. Fry in small batches to avoid crowding. This keeps the oil hot. Remember to drain the chicken on paper towels. This removes extra oil and keeps it crispy. To change the spice in the sauce, focus on sriracha. If you like it mild, use less sriracha. For more heat, add more. You can also try adding red pepper flakes. Mix them in while cooking the sauce. Taste as you go. This helps you find the perfect level for your taste buds. Other spices, like black pepper, can add heat too. Always start small and adjust as needed. Serve your Sweet Fire Chicken on a bed of jasmine rice. This adds a nice flavor and texture. You can also add a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas. This gives a nice crunch and color. For a fun twist, try using lettuce wraps. Fill them with chicken and sauce for a fresh bite. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a pretty look. This makes your dish pop and adds flavor. For the full recipe, check the details above. {{image_2}} If you want a lighter version, try baking the chicken. It cuts down on oil and calories. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After coating the chicken, lay it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still get a nice crunch, but with less fat! Not a fan of chicken? You can use tofu or shrimp instead. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm. Cube it and follow the same steps. If you choose shrimp, make sure they are peeled and deveined. Cook them just until pink, as they cook faster than chicken. You’ll keep that sweet fire flavor while switching up the protein! Boost your dish with seasonal veggies. Try adding broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra crunch and color. Chop them into bite-sized pieces and cook them with the chicken. You can toss in some zucchini or asparagus, too. This not only adds flavor but also makes your meal healthier and more colorful! After you enjoy your Sweet Fire Chicken, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the chicken cool to room temperature first. This keeps the flavors fresh. It’s best to eat the leftovers within 3 to 4 days for the best taste. Reheating can make the chicken soggy, so follow these steps. Use an oven or an air fryer for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warm. If using an air fryer, cook at 350°F for about 5-8 minutes. This keeps the chicken crispy. If you want to save your Sweet Fire Chicken for later, freezing is a good option. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It can last about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. To defrost, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. Follow the reheating tips to keep it tasty. Enjoy your homemade Sweet Fire Chicken anytime! To make your chicken crispier, use a double coating. After dipping in the egg, coat the chicken again in the dry mixture. Let it rest for a few minutes before frying. This extra layer helps create a crunchier texture. Also, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil and become soggy. Yes, you can easily substitute ingredients. For gluten-free needs, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. If you want a vegetarian option, try using tofu instead of chicken. Just press and cube the tofu, then follow the same frying steps. For lower sugar, you can replace honey with agave syrup or a sugar-free sweetener. Sweet Fire Chicken pairs well with several sides. I recommend steamed jasmine rice for a classic option. You can also serve it with a fresh vegetable stir-fry. Another great choice is a simple Asian-style salad. These dishes balance the sweet flavors of the chicken. Sweet Fire Chicken lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. The chicken may lose some crispiness over time but will still taste great. Absolutely! You can freeze Sweet Fire Chicken for up to three months. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing. Store it in a freezer-safe container or bag to avoid freezer burn. You can thaw it in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, use an oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This method keeps the chicken crispy. You can also use a microwave, but it may make the chicken soft. This blog post covered how to make Sweet Fire Chicken. We looked at the main ingredients, made the sauce, and cooked the chicken. I shared tips for crispy chicken and spice levels. Variations like healthier options and swapping proteins were also discussed. In cooking, there's always room for creativity. Use what you have and enjoy!

Panda Express Sweet Fire Chicken Copycat

Bring the irresistible flavors of Panda Express' Sweet Fire Chicken to your kitchen with this easy copycat recipe! You'll love the sweet and spicy sauce that perfectly coats crispy chicken, bell peppers, and juicy pineapple. Perfect for impressing friends and family, this dish is quick to make and full of flavor. Dive into the full recipe now to discover all the tips and tricks for creating this delicious meal at home!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup cornstarch

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetable oil for frying

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

2 green onions, sliced for garnish

For the Sweet Fire Sauce:

1/3 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust for spice preference)

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ginger, grated

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper, creating a dry batter.

    Dip each piece of chicken first into the beaten eggs, then dredge in the dry mixture until thoroughly coated.

      In a deep skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.

        In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

          Once simmering, mix the cornstarch and water, then add to the sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

            In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the diced bell peppers and pineapple chunks, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.

              Add the crispy chicken to the skillet and pour the sweet fire sauce over the chicken and veggies. Toss everything together until well coated.

                Cook for an additional 2 minutes for flavors to meld, then remove from heat.

                  Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

                    Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4

                      Presentation Tips: Serve the Sweet Fire Chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, and garnish with additional green onions and sesame seeds for an appealing look.